Tangential torque support

ABSTRACT

A superconducting rotor assembly includes an axial shaft and a winding support structure. A torque tube is connected to this winding support structure. An interconnection assembly mechanically couples the torque tube to the axial shaft. This interconnection assembly is configured to convert a torsional torque load experienced by the torque tube to a tangential torque load which is provided to the axial shaft.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional and claims the benefit of priorityunder 35 USC 120 of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/752,075, filed Jan. 6,2004 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,815,856, which is a divisional of 10/083,025,filed Feb. 26, 2002 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,674,206. The disclosure of theprior applications are considered part of and are incorporated byreference in the disclosure of this application.

The following applications are also hereby incorporated by referencedinto the subject application as if set forth herein in full: (1) U.S.application Ser. No. 09/632,599, filed Aug. 4, 2000, entitled“Superconducting Synchronous Machine Field Winding Protection”; (2) U.S.application Ser. No. 09/632,602, filed Aug. 4, 2000, entitled “SegmentedRotor Assembly For Superconducting Rotating Machines”; (3) U.S.application Ser. No. 09/632,600, filed Aug. 4, 2000, entitled “ExciterFor Superconducting Rotating Machinery”; (4) U.S. application Ser. No.09/632,601, filed Aug. 4, 2000, entitled “Stator Support Assembly ForSuperconducting Rotating Machines”; (5) U.S. application Ser. No.09/480,430, filed Jan. 11, 2000, entitled “Exciter and ElectronicRegulator for Rotating Machinery”; (6) U.S. application Ser. No.09/481,480, filed Jan. 11, 2000, entitled “Internal Support forSuperconducting Wires”; (7) U.S. Ser. No. 09/480,396, filed Jan. 11,2000, entitled “Cooling System for HTS Machines”; (8) U.S. applicationSer. No. 09/415,626, filed Oct. 12, 1999, entitled “SuperconductingRotating Machine”; (9) U.S. Application No. 60/266,319, filed Jan. 11,2000, entitled “HTS Superconducting Rotating Machine”; (10) U.S.application Ser. No. 09/905,611, filed Jul. 13, 2001, entitled“Enhancement of Stator Leakage Inductance in AirCore Machines”; (11)U.S. application Ser. No. 09/909,412, filed Jul. 19, 2001, entitled“Torque Transmission Assembly for use in Superconducting RotatingMachines”; and (12) U.S. application Ser. No. 09/956,328, filed Sep. 19,2001, entitled “Axially-Expandable EM Shield”.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to rotating machines.

BACKGROUND

Superconducting air-core, synchronous electric machines have been underdevelopment since the early 1960's. The use of superconducting windingsin these machines has resulted in a significant increase in the fieldelectromotive forces generated by the windings and increased flux andpower densities of the machines.

Early superconducting machines included field windings wound with lowtemperature superconductor (LTS) materials, such as NbZr or NbTi andlater with Nb₃Sn. The field windings were cooled with liquid helium froma stationary liquifier. The liquid helium was transferred into the rotorof the machine and then vaporized to use both the latent and sensibleheat of the fluid to cool the windings. This approach proved to beviable for only very large synchronous machines. With the advent of hightemperature superconductor (HTS) materials in the 1980's, the coolingrequirements of these machines were greatly reduced and smallersuperconducting machines were realizable.

While HTS materials reduce the cooling requirements of superconductingmachines, it is still important that the field windings of thesemachines remain sufficiently cool so that they maintain theirsuperconducting characteristics and properties. Accordingly, thesemachines utilize various assemblies that thermally insulate these coolfield windings from the warm output shaft of the machine.

SUMMARY

According to an aspect of this invention, a superconducting rotorassembly includes an axial shaft. A torque tube is connected to awinding support structure. An interconnection assembly mechanicallycouples the torque tube to the axial shaft. This interconnectionassembly is configured to convert a torsional torque load experienced bythe torque tube to a tangential torque load which is provided to theaxial shaft.

Embodiments of this aspect of the invention may also include thefollowing. The interconnection assembly is configured to receive atangential torque load which is a compression load or a tension load.The thermally-insulating interconnection assembly includes a torque tubeflange for connecting the interconnection assembly to the torque tube.An axial flange connects the interconnection assembly to the axial shaftand at least one thermally-insulating tangential load-bearing memberconnects the torque tube flange to the axial flange. The axial flangemay also be a collar. Further, the axial flange may be directlyconnected to one of the end plates connected to the axial shaft of therotor assembly.

The torque tube flange includes at least one protruding bracket assemblypositioned radially about the torque tube flange. The protruding bracketassemblies are configured to connect the torque tube flange to thethermally-insulating tangential load-bearing members.

The axial flange includes at least one protruding bracket assemblypositioned radially about the axial flange. The protruding bracketassemblies are configured to connect the axial flange to thethermally-insulating tangential load-bearing members.

The thermally-insulating tangential load bearing members are constructedof a high-strength, low thermal conductivity composite material, such asa G-10 phenolic material. The torque tube is constructed of ahigh-strength, low thermal conductivity metallic material, such asInconel.

A superconducting winding assembly is mounted on the winding supportstructure. The superconducting winding assemblies are constructed usinga high-temperature superconducting material. The high temperaturesuperconducting material is chosen from the group consisting of:thallium-barium-calcium-copper-oxide;bismuth-strontium-calcium-copper-oxide;mercury-barium-calcium-copper-oxide; and yttrium-barium-copper-oxide.The superconducting rotor assembly further includes a refrigerationsystem for cooling the superconducting winding assembly.

According to a further aspect of this invention, an interconnectionassembly for converting a torsional torque load experienced by a torquetube to a tangential torque load which is provided to an axial shaftincludes a torque tube flange for connecting the interconnectionassembly to the torque tube. An axial flange connects theinterconnection assembly to the axial shaft. At least onethermally-insulating tangential load-bearing member connects the torquetube flange and the axial flange.

Embodiments of this aspect of the invention may also include thefollowing. The interconnection assembly is configured to receive atangential torque load which is a compression load or a tension load.The axial flange may be a collar or may be directly connected to one ofthe end plates connected to the axial shaft of the rotor assembly.

The torque tube flange includes at least one protruding bracket assemblypositioned radially about the torque tube flange. The protruding bracketassemblies are configured to connect the torque tube flange to thethermally-insulating tangential load-bearing members.

The axial flange includes at least one protruding bracket assemblypositioned radially about the axial flange. The protruding bracketassemblies are configured to connect the axial flange to thethermally-insulating tangential load-bearing members. Thethermally-insulating tangential load bearing members are constructed ofa high-strength low thermal conductivity composite material, such as aG-10 phenolic material. The torque tube is constructed of ahigh-strength, low thermal conductivity metallic material, such asInconel.

According to a further aspect of this invention, a superconducting rotorassembly includes an axial shaft and a winding support structure. Anasynchronous field filtering shield surrounds the winding supportstructure. The asynchronous field filtering shield is connected to theaxial shaft via one or more end plates positioned on distal ends of theshield. An interconnection assembly connects the winding supportstructure to the asynchronous field filtering shield. Theinterconnection assembly is configured to convert a torsional torqueload experienced by the winding support structure to a tangential torqueload which is provided to the asynchronous field filtering shield.

Embodiments of this aspect of the invention may also include thefollowing. The interconnection assembly is configured to receive atangential torque load which is a compression load or a tension load.The thermally-insulating interconnection assembly includes one or morediscrete torque transfer assemblies. Each discrete torque transferassembly includes at least one support structure bracket assemblyrigidly attached to the winding support structure, and at least oneshield bracket assembly rigidly attached to the asynchronous fieldfiltering shield and positioned proximate the at least one supportstructure bracket assembly. At least one thermally-insulating tangentialload-bearing member, which is positioned between the at least onesupport structure bracket assembly and the at least one shield bracketassembly, connects the at least one support structure bracket assemblyand the at least one shield bracket assembly. The at least onethermally-insulating tangential load bearing member is constructed of ahigh-strength low thermal conductivity composite material, such as aG-10 phenolic material. The at least one shield bracket assembly and theat least one support structure bracket assembly are constructed of ahigh-strength, low thermal conductivity metallic material, such asInconel. A superconducting winding assembly is mounted on the windingsupport structure. The superconducting winding assembly is constructedusing a high-temperature superconducting material. The superconductingrotor assembly includes a refrigeration system for cooling thesuperconducting winding assembly.

According to a further aspect of this invention, an interconnectionassembly for converting a torsional torque load experienced by a windingsupport structure to a tangential torque load which is provided to anasynchronous field filtering shield includes one or more discrete torquetransfer assemblies. Each discrete torque transfer assembly includes atleast one support structure bracket assembly rigidly attached to thewinding support structure, and at least one shield bracket assemblyrigidly attached to the asynchronous field filtering shield andpositioned proximate the at least one support structure bracketassembly. At least one thermally-insulating tangential load-bearingmember, which is positioned between the at least one support structurebracket assembly and the at least one shield bracket assembly, connectsthe at least one support structure bracket assembly and the at least oneshield bracket assembly.

Embodiments of this aspect of the invention may also include thefollowing. The interconnection assembly is configured to receive atangential torque load which is a compression load or a tension load.The at least one thermally-insulating tangential load bearing member isconstructed of a high-strength low thermal conductivity compositematerial, such as a G-10 phenolic material. The at least one shieldbracket assembly and the at least one support structure bracket assemblyare constructed of a high-strength, low thermal conductivity metallicmaterial, such as Inconel.

According to a further aspect of this invention, a superconducting rotorassembly includes an axial shaft and a winding support structure. Atleast one end plate is rigidly attached to the axial shaft at a distalend of the winding support structure. An interconnection assemblyconnects the winding support structure to the at least one end plate.The interconnection assembly is configured to convert a torsional torqueload experienced by the winding support structure to a tangential torqueload which is provided to the at least one end plate.

Embodiments of this aspect of the invention may also include thefollowing. The interconnection assembly is configured to receive atangential torque load which is a compression load or a tension load.The thermally-insulating interconnection assembly includes one or morediscrete torque transfer assemblies. Each discrete torque transferassembly includes at least one support structure bracket assemblyrigidly attached to the winding support structure, and at least one endplate bracket assembly rigidly attached to the at least one end plateand positioned proximate the at least one support structure bracketassembly. At least one thermally-insulating tangential load-bearingmember, which is positioned between the at least one support structurebracket assembly and the at least one end plate bracket assembly,connects the at least one support structure bracket assembly and the atleast one end plate bracket assembly. The at least onethermally-insulating tangential load bearing member is constructed of ahigh-strength low thermal conductivity composite material, such as aG-10 phenolic material. The at least one end plate bracket assembly andthe at least one support structure bracket assembly are constructed of ahigh-strength, low thermal conductivity metallic material, such asInconel. A superconducting winding assembly is mounted on the windingsupport structure. The superconducting winding assembly is constructedusing a high-temperature superconducting material. The superconductingrotor assembly includes a refrigeration system for cooling thesuperconducting winding assembly.

According to a further aspect of this invention, an interconnectionassembly for converting a torsional torque load experienced by a windingsupport structure to a tangential torque load which is provided to atleast one end plate includes one or more discrete torque transferassemblies. Each discrete torque transfer assembly includes at least onesupport structure bracket assembly rigidly attached to the windingsupport structure, and at least one end plate bracket assembly rigidlyattached to the at least one end plate and positioned proximate the atleast one support structure bracket assembly. At least onethermally-insulating tangential load-bearing member, which is positionedbetween the at least one support structure bracket assembly and the atleast one end plate bracket assembly, connects the at least one supportstructure bracket assembly and the at least one end plate bracketassembly.

Embodiments of this aspect of the invention may also include thefollowing. The interconnection assembly is configured to receive atangential torque load which is a compression load or a tension load.The at least one thermally-insulating tangential load bearing member isconstructed of a high-strength low thermal conductivity compositematerial, such as a G-10 phenolic material. The at least one end platebracket assembly and the at least one support structure bracket assemblyare constructed of a high-strength, low thermal conductivity metallicmaterial, such as Inconel.

One or more advantages can be provided from the above aspects of theinvention. The cool rotor winding can be thermally insulated from thewarm output shaft of the rotating machine. This can be accomplishedwhile providing a high-strength connection between the rotor windingsand the output shaft. The strength of the torque tube can be increasedby constructing it from a high-strength, moderately thermally insulatingmaterial. By constructing the tangential load bearing members from amoderately strong, highly thermally insulating material, the cool rotorwindings can be thermally isolated from the warm output shaft.Additionally, by positioning the tangential load bearing members so thatthey are only exposed to compressive loading, any strength-relatedshortcomings associated with the moderately strong, highly thermallyinsulating material can be minimized.

The details of one or more embodiments of the invention are set forth inthe accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features,objects, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from thedescription and drawings, and from the claims.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional side view of a superconducting rotatingmachine;

FIG. 2 is an isometric view of an interconnection assembly of thesuperconducting rotating machine of FIG. 1;

FIG. 2 a is an isometric view of an alternative embodiment of theinterconnection assembly of FIG. 2;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional end view of a rotor assembly incorporatingan alternative embodiment of the thermally-insulating interconnectionassembly; and

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional bottom view of a rotor assemblyincorporating an alternative embodiment of the thermally-insulatinginterconnection assembly.

Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIG. 1, a superconducting rotating machine 10 has a statorassembly 12 including stator coil assemblies 14 _(l-n). As is well knownin the art, the specific number of stator coil assemblies 14 _(l-n)included within stator assembly 12 varies depending on various designcriteria, such as whether the machine is a single phase or a polyphasemachine. For example, in one 33,000 horsepower superconducting machinedesign, stator assembly 12 includes one hundred and eighty stator coilassemblies 14 _(l-n).

A rotor assembly 16 rotates within stator assembly 12. As with statorassembly 12, rotor assembly 16 includes rotor winding assemblies 18_(l-n). In the same 33,000 horsepower superconducting machine design,rotor assembly 16 includes twelve rotor winding assemblies 18 _(l-n).These rotor winding assemblies, during operation, generate a magneticflux that links rotor assembly 16 and stator assembly 12.

During operation of superconducting rotating machine 10, a voltagesource (not shown, i.e., a generator, a utility line, etc.) provides asupply voltage 20 to stator coil assemblies 14 _(l-n). By applying thissupply voltage 20, machine 10 is brought up to its operating speed,which is proportional to the frequency of supply voltage 20.Accordingly, if the frequency of supply voltage 20 is held constant,machine 10 (i.e., rotor assembly 16) will rotate at a constant (orsynchronous) speed. The torque generated by this now-rotating rotorassembly 16 is transferred to a load 21 (e.g., a propeller shaft of aship, a conveyor belt on a production line, the drive wheels of a diesellocomotive, etc.). The rotor winding assemblies 18 _(l-n) are mounted ona support structure 17 which is connected to a first flange 19 thattransfers the motor torque to a torque tube 22. Torque tube 22 isconnected to a thermally-insulating interconnection assembly 23, whichis connected to an output shaft 24. Thermally-insulating interconnectionassembly 23 provides a high-strength, thermally-insulating torque pathfor transferring the motor torque to load 21. Flange 19 may beincorporated into torque tube 22 or may be a separate assembly.

Output shaft 24 is supported by a pair of bearing plates 26, 28, one ateach end of rotor assembly 16. The bearing plate 26 on the drive end 30of superconducting rotating machine 10 contains a passage 32 throughwhich output shaft 24 passes. Additionally, bearing plate 28 may alsohave a passage through which the output shaft 24 passes. Bearing plates26, 28 position rotor assembly 16 at the proper position within statorassembly 12 so that rotor assembly 16 can freely rotate within statorassembly 12 while maintaining the proper gap “g” between rotor assembly16 and stator assembly 12.

During operation of superconducting rotating machine 10, field energy 34is applied to rotor winding assembly 18 _(l-n) through a slipring/rotating disk assembly 35. This field energy 34 is typically in theform of a DC current because rotor winding assemblies 18 _(l-n) requireDC current to generate the magnetic field (and the magnetic flux) neededto link the rotor assembly 16 and stator assembly 12. However, if fieldenergy 34 is supplied in the form of an AC current, arectifier/thyristor circuit (not shown) is employed to convert the ACcurrent into a DC current.

While stator coil assemblies 14 _(l-n) are non-superconducting coppercoil assemblies, rotor winding assemblies 18 _(l-n) are superconductingassemblies incorporating either HTS (High Temperature Superconductor) orLTS (Low Temperature Superconductor) windings. Examples of LTSconductors are: niobium-zirconium; niobium-titanium; and niobium-tin.Examples of HTS conductors are: thallium-barium-calcium-copper-oxide;bismuth-strontium-calcium-copper-oxide;mercury-barium-calcium-copper-oxide; yttrium-barium-copper-oxide, or anyof the MgB₂ Magnesiumn diboride compounds

As these superconducting conductors only achieve their superconductingcharacteristics when operating at low temperatures (e.g., <100° K.),superconducting machine 10 includes a refrigeration system 36.Refrigeration system 36 is typically in the form of a cryogenic coolerthat maintains the operating temperature of rotor winding assemblies 18_(l-n) at an operating temperature sufficiently low to enable theconductors to exhibit their superconducting characteristics.

Rotor assembly 16 includes an asynchronous field filtering shield 38positioned between stator assembly 12 and rotor assembly 16. As rotorassembly 16 is typically cylindrical in shape, asynchronous fieldfiltering shield 38 is also typically cylindrical in shape. Statorassembly 12 is typically powered by multiphase AC power or pulse-widthmodulated (PWM) power 20 at a frequency commensurate with the desiredshaft speed. This, in turn, generates a rotating magnetic field thatrotates about the axis of the cylindrically-shaped stator assembly 12.As stated above, the frequency of the multiphase AC power 20 supplied tostator assembly 12 proportionally controls the rotational speed ofsuperconducting machine 10. Since AC or PWM signals naturally containharmonics of their primary frequency (e.g., odd multiples of a 60 Hertzsignal), it is desirable to shield the rotor winding assemblies 18_(l-n) of rotor assembly 16 from these asynchronous fields. Accordingly,asynchronous field filtering shield 38, which is fitted to rotorassembly 16, covers (or shields) rotor winding assemblies 18 _(l-n),from the asynchronous fields generated as a result of these harmonicspresent in three-phase AC power 20. Asynchronous field filtering shield38 is constructed of a non-magnetic material (e.g., copper, aluminum,etc.) and should be of a length sufficient to fully cover and shieldrotor winding assemblies 18 _(l-n). In a preferred embodiment,asynchronous field filtering shield 38 is constructed of 6061T6structural aluminum. The thickness of shield 38 varies inversely withrespect to the frequency of the three-phase AC power 20 supplied tostator assembly 12, which is typically in the range of 2-120 Hertz.Typically, the thickness of shield 38 varies from ½-3 inches dependingon this supply frequency.

Shield 38 is connected to output shaft 24 via a pair of end plates 40,42. These end plates 40, 42 are rigidly connected to output shaft 24.This rigid connection can be in the form of a weld or a mechanicalfastener system (e.g., bolts, rivets, splines, keyways, etc.).

A vacuum chamber sleeve 43 surrounds the rotor winding assemblies 18_(l-n). This vacuum chamber sleeve 43 is positioned between shield 38and the rotor winding assemblies 18 _(l-n) and is connected on itsdistal ends to end plate 40, 42. This connection can be in the form of aweld, a braze, or a mechanical fastener system (e.g., bolts, rivets,splines, keyways, etc.). Typically, vacuum chamber sleeve 43 isrelatively thin (e.g., {fraction (3/16)}″) and is constructed ofstainless steel. When vacuum chamber sleeve 43 is connected to the endplates, an air-tight chamber is formed which encloses the rotor windingassemblies 18 _(l-n). This air-tight chamber can then be evacuated, thusforming a vacuum within the chamber. This helps to insulate the rotorwinding assemblies 181, (which are superconducting and kept cool) fromoutput shaft 24 (which is warm).

As stated above, a gap “g” exists between stator assembly 12 and rotorassembly 16. In order to reduce the size of superconducting rotatingmachine 10, it is desirable to reduce the dimensions of this gap (orspacing) to a minimum allowable value. In the same 33,000 horsepowersuperconducting machine, this gap “g” has a value of just over one inch.Specifically, due to the maximization of the flux linkage, theefficiency of machine 10 is maximized when gap “g” is minimized.Unfortunately, when gap “g” is minimized, shield 38 gets very close tothe windings of stator coil assembly 14 _(l-n).

During operation of superconducting rotating machine 10, shield 38 willheat up as a result of eddy current heating caused by the presence ofthe asynchronous fields described above. As metals (especially aluminum)are known to expand when heated, it is important that rotor assembly 16be capable of accommodating this expansion. This expansion can occur intwo dimensions, both axially (i.e., along the direction of the outputshaft 24) and radially (i.e., along the direction of the rotorassembly's radius). Accordingly, rotor assembly 16 typically includes apair of interconnection assemblies 44, 46 for connecting shield 38 toend plates 40, 42. These interconnections assemblies 44, 46 compensatefor the thermal expansion of shield 38 by allowing for axial movementbetween shield 38 and end plates 40, 42 while restricting tangentialmovement.

As stated above, torque tube 22 in combination with thermally-insulatinginterconnection assembly 23 transfer the torque generated bysuperconducting rotating machine 10 to load 21. Accordingly, torque tube22 must be constructed of a material sufficiently strong enough towithstand the torsional twisting of this torque load. A typical exampleof such a material is Inconel™ (Inco Alloys International, Inc., 3200Riverside Drive Huntington, W.Va. 25720), which provides relatively lowthermal conductivity in addition to a high level of strength. Therelatively low thermal conductivity of Inconel™ resists the transfer ofheat from the warm output shaft 24 to the cool rotor winding assemblies18 _(l-n).

As stated above, in order for rotor winding assemblies 181, to achievetheir superconducting characteristics, these winding assemblies 18_(l-n) must be kept cool. Accordingly, thermally-insulatinginterconnection assembly 23 must provide a high-level of thermalinsulation between the relatively cool torque tube 22 and the warmoutput shaft 24. Additionally, as stated above, thisthermally-insulating interconnection assembly 23 must be sufficientlystrong to withstand the torque (and torsional twisting) generated bysuperconducting rotating machine 10. Unfortunately, metallic materialssuch as Inconel™ do not provide the required level of thermalinsulation. Further, composite materials (e.g., G-10 phenolic,woven-glass epoxy, etc.), while providing a high level of thermalinsulation, do not provide the required level of shear strength neededto withstand the torsional twisting and torque generated bysuperconducting rotating machine 10. Accordingly, thermally-insulatinginterconnection assembly 23 utilizes a high-strength material (such asInconel™) at the points where the thermally-insulating interconnectionassembly 23 contacts torque tube 22 and output shaft 24 in a shearconfiguration. Additionally, thermally-insulating interconnectionassembly 23 utilizes a high thermally insulating material placed into atangentially loaded configuration (i.e., either compression or tension)to act as a heat barrier which minimizes the transfer of thermal energyfrom the warm output shaft 24 to the relatively cool torque tube 22.

Accordingly, thermally-insulating interconnection assembly 23 uses acombination of materials to produce an assembly that is both strong andthermally insulating. Specifically, since the torque tube 22 issubjected to high levels of torsional loading and twisting, this tube 22is constructed of a high-strength material (such as Inconel™).Additionally, the portions of assembly 23 that are placed in ahigh-shear configuration due to this torsional loading, such as anyflanges that connect assembly 23 to torque tube 22 or output shaft 24,are also constructed of a high-strength material. Thethermally-insulating characteristics of interconnection assembly 23 area result of using a high thermally insulating material (e.g., G-10phenolic, woven-glass epoxy, etc.) to minimize the transfer of thermalenergy from the warm output shaft 24 to the cool torque tube 22.Unfortunately, this high thermally insulating material does not have thelevel of strength required to handle high torsional loads, such as thoseexperienced by torque tube 22 or the flanges that connect assembly 23 totorque tube 22 and output shaft 24. Therefore, the high thermallyinsulating material used in assembly 23, which acts as a heat barrierthat minimizes the transfer of thermal energy from the warm output shaft24 to the relatively cool torque tube 22, is positioned in atangentially-loaded configuration. By positioning this high thermallyinsulating material in a tangentially loaded configuration, the load itexperiences is linear, essentially parallel to the tangential rotationof the torque tube, and perpendicular to the axis of rotation of thetorque tube.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the details of one embodiment of thethermally-insulating interconnection assembly 23 as shown in FIG. 1 anddescribed above, are shown. Typically, torque tube 22 includes a flange100 for connecting torque tube 22 to thermally-insulatinginterconnection assembly 23. Thermally-insulating interconnectionassembly 23 includes a torque tube flange 102 configured to mate withflange 100 of torque tube 22. Typically, torque tube flange 102 isconstructed of a high strength material such as Inconel™ and theseflanges 100 and 102 are bolted together using high strength bolts 104.

Thermally-insulating interconnection assembly 23 includes an axialflange 106 which connects thermally-insulating interconnection assembly23 to output shaft 24. Typically, axial flange 106 is constructed of ahigh-strength material such as Inconel™ and this flange 106 is connectedto a flange 108 on output shaft 24 using high strength bolts 10.Alternatively, axial flange 106 may be in the form of a collar (notshown) which surrounds output shaft 24 and is connected to shaft 24 viasome form of rigid connection. This rigid connection can be in the formof a weld or a mechanical fastener system (e.g., bolts, rivets, splines,keyways, etc.). This configuration would eliminate the need for a flange108 on output shaft 24.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 2 and 2 a, axial flange 106 need not be directlyconnected to output shaft 24. For example, since superconductingrotating machine 10 includes a pair of end plates 40, 42, and each ofthese end plates is rigidly attached to output shaft 24, axial flange106 can be connected to one of these end plates. This rigid connectioncan be in the form of a weld or a mechanical fastener system (e.g.,bolts, rivets, etc.). This configuration (as shown in FIG. 2 a) wouldeliminate the need for a flange 108 on output shaft 24, as the end platewould function as the flange and the motor torque would be transferredto output shaft 24 through the end plate.

Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 2, thermally-insulating interconnectionassembly 23 includes thermally-insulating tangential load bearingmembers 112 _(l-n) for connecting torque tube flange 102 and axialflange 106. As stated above, composite materials, such as G-10 phenolicor woven-glass epoxy, have poor shear strength capabilities, thus makingthem a poor choice for flanges 102 and 106, as they are in a shearconfiguration. However, these composite material have acceptabletangential loading capabilities. Specifically, these materials havemoderate tension capabilities and good compression capabilities.

Please note that while this illustration shows two of thesethermally-insulating tangential load bearing members 112 _(l-n) this isfor illustrative purposes only and is not intended to be a limitation ofthe invention. Specifically, the number of thermally-insulatingtangential load bearing members 112 _(l-n) utilized could be variedaccording to the torque load expected to be transferred throughthermally-insulating interconnection assembly 23. In the same 33,000horsepower superconducting machine design, thermally-insulatinginterconnection assembly 23 would include four thermally-insulatingtangential load bearing members 112 _(l-n).

Torque tube flange 102 includes one protruding bracket assembly 114_(l-n) for each thermally-insulating tangential load bearing member 112_(l-n) utilized. These protruding bracket assemblies 114 _(l-n) areattached to the face 116 of torque tube flange 102. These brackets 114_(l-n) may be welded or bolted to torque tube flange 102 and tend to bepositioned radially about flange 102.

Axial flange 106 also includes one protruding bracket assembly 118_(l-n) for each thermally-insulating tangential load bearing member 112_(l-n) utilized. As above, these protruding bracket assemblies 118_(l-n) are positioned radially about flange 106, are attached to theface (not shown) of axial flange 106, and are welded or bolted to axialflange 106. Please note that bracket assemblies 118 _(l-n) are shownbeing detached from axial flange 106 to ease and unclutter theillustration.

One of the bracket assemblies 114 _(l-n) attached to torque tube flange102 and one of the bracket assemblies 118 _(l-n) attached to the axialflange 106 are each connected to opposite sides of one of thethermally-insulating tangential load bearing member 112 _(l-n).Typically, the thermally-insulating tangential load bearing members 112_(l-n) are threaded on each end. These threaded ends pass throughpassages in the bracket assemblies 114 _(l-n) and 118 _(l-n), and aresecured by a nut 120 _(l-n). This rigidly attaches eachthermally-insulating tangential load bearing member 112 _(l-n) to abracket assembly 114 _(l-n) attached to the torque tube flange 102 and abracket assembly 118 _(l-n) attached to the axial flange 106.

During operation of superconducting rotating machine 10, a torque loadis generated which is transferred to load 21. If, for example, torquetube 22 rotates in the direction of arrow “X”, load 21 (via axial shaft24) will provide an opposing force in the direction of arrow “Y”.Accordingly bracket assembly 114 _(l-n) will be forced toward bracketassembly 118 _(l-n), thus compressing the thermally-insulatingtangential load bearing member 112 _(l-n). Since eachthermally-insulating tangential load bearing member 112 _(l-n) is onlyexposed to a compression load, the strength of the composite material(e.g., G-10 phenolic, woven-glass epoxy, etc.) from which the members112 _(l-n) are constructed is sufficiently strong enough to transfersthe torque load, as these members are not subjected to shear loading.

Please note that while the above example shows the thermally-insulatingtangential load bearing member 112 _(l-n) being configured so that theyare subjected to a compression load, this is for illustrative purposesonly and is not intended to be a limitation of the invention.Specifically, while not the optimal configuration, thethermally-insulating tangential load bearing members 112 _(l-n) can beconfigured so that they are exposed to a tension load.

Referring to FIG. 3, the details of an alternative embodiment 23′ of thethermally-insulating interconnection assembly are shown (taken acrosssection line A—A of FIG. 1). Now referring to FIGS. 1 and 3, thisembodiment connects asynchronous field filtering shield 38 to windingsupport structure 17. Thermally-insulating interconnection assembly 23′includes several discrete torque transfer assemblies 100 positionedradially about output shaft 24. The specific number of discrete torquetransfer assemblies 100 utilized will vary depending on the torquecapacity of each discrete torque assembly 100 and the total motor torquedelivered by superconducting rotating machine 10. Each discrete torquetransfer assembly 100 includes two support structure bracket assemblies102, 103, each of which is rigidly attached to winding support structure17. This rigid attachment can be in the form of a weld or a mechanicalfastener (e.g., a bolt). A shield bracket assembly 104, which is rigidlyattached to the asynchronous field filtering shield 38, is positionedbetween the support structure bracket assemblies 102, 103. Again, thisrigid attachment can be in the form of a weld or a mechanical fastener(e.g., a bolt). A thermally-insulating tangential load bearing member106, 107 is positioned between each support structure bracket assembly102, 103 and shield bracket assembly 104. This provides a point ofconnection and a torque path between each bracket assembly 102, 103,104. As above, thermally-insulating tangential load bearing members 106,107 are constructed of a high-strength low thermal conductivitycomposite material, such as a G-10 phenolic material. Additionally,bracket assemblies 102, 103, 104 are constructed of a high-strength, lowthermal conductivity metallic material, such as Inconel™.

In this particular embodiment, there are two support structure bracketassemblies 102, 103 and one shield bracket assembly 104. Between thefirst support structure bracket assembly 102 and the shield bracketassembly 104, a first thermally-insulating tangential load bearingmember 106 is utilized. Further, between the second support structurebracket assembly 103 and shield bracket assembly 104, a secondthermally-insulating tangential load bearing member 107 is utilized. Inthis particular configuration, if winding support structure 17 rotatesclockwise, the first thermally-insulating tangential load bearing member106 will be subjected to a compression load and the secondthermally-insulating tangential load bearing member 107 will besubjected to a tension load.

Please realize the above-described configuration is for illustrativepurposes only and is not intended to be a limitation of the invention.Accordingly, the specific number of support structure bracket assembliesand shield bracket assemblies employed can be varied in response tovarious design criteria.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 4, the details of an alternative embodiment 23″of the thermally-insulating interconnection assembly are shown (takenacross section line B—B of FIG. 1). Specifically, this embodimentconnects end plate 40, 42 to winding support structure 17.Thermally-insulating interconnection assembly 23″ includes severaldiscrete torque transfer assemblies 200. The specific number of discretetorque transfer assemblies 200 utilized will vary depending on thetorque capacity of each discrete torque assembly 200 and the total motortorque delivered by superconducting rotating machine 10. Each discretetorque transfer assembly 200 includes two support structure bracketassemblies 202, 203, each of which is rigidly attached to windingsupport structure 17. This rigid attachment can be in the form of a weldor a mechanical fastener (e.g., a bolt). An end plate bracket assembly204, which is rigidly attached to one or both end plates 40, 42 ispositioned between the support structure bracket assemblies 202, 203.Again, this rigid attachment can be in the form of a weld or amechanical fastener (e.g., a bolt). A thermally-insulating tangentialload bearing member 206, 207 is positioned between each supportstructure bracket assembly 202, 203 and end plate bracket assembly 204.This provides a point of connection and a torque path between eachbracket assembly 202, 203, 204. As above, thermally-insulatingtangential load bearing members 206, 207 are constructed of ahigh-strength low thermal conductivity composite material, such as aG-10 phenolic material. Additionally, bracket assemblies 202, 203, 204are constructed of a high-strength, low thermal conductivity metallicmaterial, such as Inconel™.

In this particular embodiment, there are two support structure bracketassemblies 202, 203 and one end plate bracket assembly 204. Between thefirst support structure bracket assembly 202 and the end plate bracketassembly 204, a first thermally-insulating tangential load bearingmember 206 is utilized. Further, between the second support structurebracket assembly 203 and end plate bracket assembly 204, a secondthermally-insulating tangential load bearing member 207 is utilized. Inthis particular configuration, if winding support structure 17 rotatesclockwise (downward), the first thermally-insulating tangential loadbearing member 206 will be subjected to a compression load and thesecond thermally-insulating tangential load bearing member 207 will besubjected to a tension load. Since the above-described discrete torquetransfer assemblies 200 are positioned radially on end plates 40, 42,assemblies 208 and 209 represent side views of such a discrete torquetransfer assembly 200.

Please realize the above-described configuration is for illustrativepurposes only and is not intended to be a limitation of the invention.Accordingly, the specific number of support structure bracket assembliesand end plate bracket assemblies employed can be varied in response tovarious design criteria.

A number of embodiments of the invention have been described.Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may bemade without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.Accordingly, other embodiments are within the scope of the followingclaims.

1. A superconducting rotor assembly comprising: an axial shaft; a winding support structure; at least one end plate rigidly attached to said axial shaft at a distal end of said winding support structure; and an interconnection assembly for mechanically coupling said winding support structure to said at least one end plate, said interconnection assembly being configured to convert a torsional torque load experienced by said winding support structure to a tangential torque load which is provided to said at least one end plate.
 2. The superconducting rotor assembly of claim 1 wherein said interconnection assembly is configured to receive a tangential torque load which is a compression load.
 3. The superconducting rotor assembly of claim 1 wherein said interconnection assembly is configured to receive a tangential torque load which is a tension load.
 4. The superconducting rotor assembly of claim 1 wherein said thermally-insulating interconnection assembly includes one or more discrete torque transfer assemblies.
 5. The superconducting rotor assembly of claim 4 wherein each said discrete torque transfer assembly includes: at least one support structure bracket assembly rigidly attached to said winding support structure; at least one end plate bracket assembly rigidly attached to said at least one end plate and positioned proximate said at least one support structure bracket assembly; and at least one thermally-insulating tangential load-bearing member, positioned between said at least one support structure bracket assembly and said at least one end plate bracket assembly, for connecting said at least one support structure bracket assembly and said at least one end plate bracket assembly.
 6. The superconducting rotor assembly of claim 5, wherein said at least one thermally-insulating tangential load bearing member is constructed of a high-strength low thermal conductivity composite material.
 7. The superconducting rotor assembly of claim 6 wherein said high-strength low thermal conductivity composite material is a G-10 phenolic material.
 8. The superconducting rotor assembly of claim 5 wherein said at least one end plate bracket assembly and said at least one support structure bracket assembly are constructed of a high-strength, low thermal conductivity metallic material.
 9. The superconducting rotor assembly of claim 8 wherein said high-strength, low thermal conductivity metallic material is Inconel.
 10. The superconducting rotor assembly of claim 1 wherein a superconducting winding assembly is mounted to said winding support structure, wherein said superconducting winding assembly is constructed using a high-temperature superconducting material.
 11. The superconducting rotor assembly of claim 1 further comprising a refrigeration system for cooling said superconducting winding assembly.
 12. An interconnection assembly for converting a torsional torque load experienced by a winding support structure to a tangential torque load which is provided to at least one end plate comprising: one or more discrete torque transfer assemblies, each said discrete torque transfer assembly including: at least one support structure bracket assembly rigidly attached to said winding support structure; at least one end plate bracket assembly rigidly attached to said at least one end plate and positioned proximate said at least one support structure bracket assembly; and at least one thermally-insulating tangential load-bearing member, positioned between said at least one support structure bracket assembly and said at least one end plate bracket assembly, for connecting said at least one support structure bracket assembly and said at least one end plate bracket assembly.
 13. The thermally-insulating interconnection assembly of claim 12 wherein said interconnection assembly is configured to receive a tangential torque load which is a compression load.
 14. The thermally-insulating interconnection assembly of claim 12 wherein said interconnection assembly is configured to receive a tangential torque load which is a tension load.
 15. The thermally-insulating interconnection assembly of claim 12 wherein said at least one thermally-insulating tangential load bearing member is constructed of a high-strength low thermal conductivity composite material.
 16. The thermally-insulating interconnection assembly of claim 15 wherein said high-strength low thermal conductivity composite material is a G-10 phenolic material.
 17. The thermally-insulating interconnection assembly of claim 12 wherein said at least one end plate bracket assembly and said at least one support structure bracket assembly are constructed of a high-strength, low thermal conductivity metallic material.
 18. The thermally-insulating interconnection assembly of claim 17 wherein said high-strength, low thermal conductivity metallic material is Inconel. 